Apple today released watchOS 10.6.1, a minor update to the watchOS 10 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 10.6.1 comes three weeks after watchOS 10.6, which was another bug fix update.
watchOS 10.6.1 can be downloaded for free through the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 17 or later by opening it up and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.
According to Apple's release notes, the watchOS 10.6.1 update fixes an issue that could prevent access to the Apple Fitness+ service.
Apple today released tvOS 17.6.1, a minor update to the tvOS 17 operating system that came out last September. tvOS 17.6.1 comes a few weeks after Apple released tvOS 17.6.
tvOS 17.6.1 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the Apple TV. Go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 17.6.1 automatically over time.
tvOS updates are often minor in scale, and tvOS 17.6.1 is no exception. We do not yet know what's included in the update.
Apple shares release notes for tvOS in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each new version of tvOS comes out.
Apple today announced the launch of a Podcasts on the web feature, which works in Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on Macs, PCs, and other devices. Podcasts on the web allows users to search for, browse through, and listen to podcasts with access to the Up Next queue and library when signed in to an Apple Account.
Apple Podcasts on the web works like the Apple Podcasts app, and users can subscribe to and get updates for their favorite shows. Apple has long had a podcasts feature that allowed podcasts to be listened to on the web when embedded in an article, but now there is a dedicated website on devices without a Podcasts app.
You can check out Podcasts on the web by going to Apple's podcasts.apple.com site. Note that if you have the Podcasts app installed on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the website will open the app automatically rather than directing you to the web.
In iOS 18, currently in beta, Apple is allowing iPhone users to replace the flashlight and camera buttons on the Lock Screen with something more useful, or to make them disappear entirely.
The dedicated flashlight and camera shortcuts you see at the bottom of your iPhone's Lock Screen were introduced in their current form with the release of iOS 11 alongside the iPhone X in 2018, and the two icons have since been a staple, non-customizable feature.
But that's all set to change this September with the launch of iOS 18. The Lock Screen buttons on your iPhone can now be replaced with any Control Center option. This includes system features like Dark Mode, Airplane Mode, Accessibility options, Calculator, and Translate, as well as Shortcuts – making the functional possibilities endless.
The change in iOS 18 is part of a broader Control Center redesign, significantly expanding the quick access potential from the Lock Screen. Apple has also opened up this functionality to third-party apps, allowing their icons to be added to the Control Center and, by extension, the Lock Screen buttons.
To maintain user privacy and data security, certain options may require Face ID or Touch ID authentication before granting access from the Lock Screen. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected even with this increased accessibility.
The following steps explain how to switch up your Lock Screen buttons in iOS 18:
Press and hold on the Lock Screen after authenticating.
Tap Customize.
Tap Lock Screen.
From there, tap the "-" icon to remove apps that are assigned to those buttons. The Flashlight and Camera apps are the default, so they will need to be removed.
Next, tap the "+" button and choose a new control to add from the scrolling menu of options.
Repeat for the second Lock Screen button if desired.
Tap Done in the top-right corner to finish.
Don't forget that if you replace the camera button or remove it completely, you can still easily access the Camera app from the Lock Screen by swiping left across the screen.
iPad illustration app Procreate today announced that it has no plans to bring generative AI to its software, setting itself apart from many competitors who have embraced the technology.
The decision comes at a time when many companies in the digital art space, such as Adobe, are rapidly integrating AI capabilities into their products and services. Procreate's stance is grounded in a commitment to preserving what it describes as the "humanity" of creative work. The company issued a statement on its website that expressed strong reservations about the impact of generative AI on the creative process:
Generative AI is ripping the humanity out of things. Built on a foundation of theft, the technology is steering us toward a barren future. We think machine learning is a compelling technology with a lot of merit, but the path generative AI is on is wrong for us.
We're here for the humans. We're not chasing a technology that is a moral threat to our greatest jewel: human creativity. In this technological rush, this might make us an exception or seem at risk of being left behind. But we see this road less travelled as the more exciting and fruitful one for our community.
James Cuda, the CEO of Procreate, reinforced the position in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his dislike of generative AI and explaining that Procreate's products are designed with the intention that "a human will be creating something." The announcement appears to have resonated with many digital artists who have expressed concerns about the integration of AI into creative tools.
Apple today announced it will donate $10 to the National Park Foundation for every purchase made in the U.S. using Apple Pay on Apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store, up to a maximum of $1 million.
Apple has supported the National Park Foundation with this annual charitable initiative since 2017. This year, the program runs from today through August 25.
Apple celebrates U.S. national parks every August with special content across Apple Maps, Apple Podcasts, and other apps. In addition, on August 25, Apple Watch users can unlock a special national parks award in the Fitness app by recording a workout of 20 minutes or more with any app that adds workouts to the Health app.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is a national parks enthusiast, commenting "Every time I visit a national park, I'm struck by their extraordinary beauty and incredibly rich history. We're proud to partner with the National Park Foundation to help preserve these natural treasures that inspire so many people. Their important work helps ensure that future generations will be able to experience that same sense of awe, wonder, and reverence for the planet we call home."
Apple's rumored tabletop robot has been spotted in its global supply chain for the first time, Taiwan's United Daily News reports.
Apple has apparently chosen Hongzhun to play a critical role in the development of the forthcoming device. Specifically, the supplier will be responsible for developing key mechanical components and casings for the tabletop robot. Once the product moves into mass production, Hongzhun will be tasked with producing the mechanical parts on a large scale. Hongzhun is a subsidiary of Foxconn, a longstanding manufacturing partner of Apple.
At its most recent shareholders' meeting, Hongzhun announced its intention to invest in emerging technologies such as robotics and AI, signaling a move away from its traditional focus on producing casings for laptops and game consoles. Hongzhun has prior experience in assembling Foxconn's own "FoxBot" robot.
Apple's robot project, reportedly code-named J595 internally, is described by Bloomberg as a desktop device that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic arm. It is designed to serve as a central hub in Apple's smart home ecosystem, integrating with other Apple products and services like Siri, and run a variant of iPadOS. It could be introduced as soon as 2026, with an estimated price tag of approximately $1,000.
Amazon today has a new all-time low price on Apple's 9th generation 64GB Wi-Fi iPad, available for just $199.00, down from $329.00. This sale beats the previous low price by about $30, and it's available in both colors right now on Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Additionally, you can get the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $349.99 on Amazon, down from $479.00. This is another new record low price on the previous generation tablet. If you prefer shopping at Best Buy, you'll also find many of these deals being matched at that retailer this week.
Although these iPads are a few years old at this point, today's new ultra-low prices should make them perfect for anyone looking for a simple and cheap iPad for daily Internet browsing. Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Apple still plans to refresh its entry-level and mid-tier AirPods later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reiterated his previous reporting by saying that Apple intends to release two versions at different price points, replacing the current second-generation and third-generation models.
Both models will feature a redesigned look, including a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, shorter stems similar to the AirPods Pro, along with an updated fit and enhanced audio quality.
The higher-end version is expected to include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), making ANC available at a lower price point for the first time and no longer exclusive to AirPods Pro.
Gurman said Apple intends to launch a third-generation AirPods Pro "later," by which he likely means next year, based on previous reporting.
What Gurman did not mention in his latest update is the status of new AirPods Max. It's been almost four years since Apple introduced its premium over-ear headphones. You can learn more about everything we know about the second-generation model we're expecting – and when – in our recent AirPods rumor roundup.
The new bronze-like color rumored to be replacing Blue Titanium in Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 Pro lineup may be called "Desert Titanium," according to the leaker known as "Majin Bu."
Concept render of new iPhone 16 Pro color
Bu referenced the name on Sunday in a post on X (Twitter) in which they shared an image of camera lens rings purportedly destined for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models.
"The desert titanium color is kind of dark gold, similar to the old purple color, relatively discreet and deep," said Bu. This isn't the first time the leaker has used the name "Desert Titanium" in reference to the new color, which has variously been described as rose or rose-gold, and bronze-like. Back in February, Bu said that the "Desert Titanium" will be similar to the Gold color option offered on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, but "deeper and heavier."
Alleged camera lens rings for iPhone 16 Pro models
The iPhone 16 Pro will introduce "Desert Titanium" as a new color option, replacing the iPhone 15 Pro's "Blue Titanium". It will be available alongside White, Black, and Natural Titanium. This year's Black Titanium is expected to be darker, while Natural Titanium will have a more pronounced gray finish.
One rumor suggests that Apple is using an improved process for finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.
Best Buy is back this week with big discounts on the M2 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, providing up to $600 off select models. A My Best Buy Plus/Total membership is not required to see these discounts.
You'll find both Wi-Fi and cellular tablets on sale at Best Buy, with a particular focus on the larger capacity 1TB and 2TB models. All deals listed below represent record low prices on each iPad Pro model, and many of them can currently only be found at Best Buy.
With such steep savings, these previous generation iPad Pros are worth looking into purchasing for anyone who wants to prioritize saving money over owning the newest M4 iPad Pro. There are some major differences between the two generations, like the M4's support for Apple Pencil Pro and a new nano-texture display option, so be sure to read about which one works best for you in our Buyer's Guide.
Almost all of Apple's built-in apps are getting new features in iOS 18, and that includes the Maps app. The Maps app isn't getting any fun new AI additions, but Apple does have some useful changes in store.
Hiking Trails
Apple added topographic maps to the Apple Watch last year, and now detailed topographic maps are also coming to the iPhone. The Maps app features detailed trail networks and hikes, including all 63 U.S. national parks.
You can do a search for "hikes" or "hiking routes" in the Maps app to see nearby trail options, with Apple including hike length, elevation, ratings, and other details.
Hikes can be filtered by length, route type (loop, point to point, or out and back), and elevation, and can be saved for offline access.
You can zoom into hiking areas to see specific trails, or search for trails. If you tap on a trail, Apple has information that includes length, highest point, lowest point, and distance. You can also see a full overview of the trail's path and get lengths for each section.
Trails and hikes are separate entities in the Maps app. A search for hikes essentially brings you to the general area where specific trails are located, and you can zoom in with the Maps app to find the trail you want to take.
Custom Routes
Apple Maps supports custom routes in iOS 18, so you can plan out a specific hiking route that you want to take. At a trailhead, you can tap on the "Create a Custom Route" option to initiate the custom routing experience.
From there, you tap on the map to begin setting points for your route, and the Maps app will provide length and elevation details. You can also have the Maps app finish a route automatically by tapping on the Reverse, Out and Back, or Close Loop options.
For hikes and trails, the Maps app will not let you create an unsafe route that does not stick to existing trails, so it's difficult to make a dangerous map out into the middle of nowhere.
Route creation is not limited to hikes and trails. You can add a pinned spot to a map, tap on the "More" option and choose Create Custom Route.
Search Here
Apple made it easier to search in locations you might be thinking of visiting or those you want to explore by adding a "Search here" button. If you look up a place, such as San Diego, and then tap on search, it'll search in the area that's on your screen rather at your physical location.
If you search for something and then pan around the map, the search will update reliably in the new location. When you zoom in, you'll see a dedicated "Search here" button that gives you more control over where you want to search.
Saving Favorites
If you find a favorite hike, trail, or custom route, you can save it to your Library to save it for later. To do so, find the relevant hike and then tap on the "Add to Library" button.
You can rename hikes and add specific information that you might want to revisit later, as well as download the route for offline usage.
Tapping on the "+" button when viewing any location on the map, including a hike, will also add that location to the library.
Favorites are stored in the Maps app and can be accessed by tapping on your profile picture and choosing the Library section.
Library
All saved content from the Maps app including locations, routes, guides, and pins are stored in the new Library section of the Maps app rather than in separate sections as in iOS 17.
The Library also shows all of your Recently Added content.
Notes
You can tap on any place in the Maps app and select the Add a Note option from the menu. From there, you can make a note about what you want to remember about a location.
Notes are private and are kept on-device. They are only visible to the note creator.
With the launch of iOS 18.1 this fall, Apple will allow third-party developers to support NFC contactless transactions for payments and more. Right now, the NFC chip is locked down, and it's primarily only used for Apple Pay, but a number of new capabilities will be coming when Apple expands access to NFC.
NFC Capabilities in Third-Party Apps
With NFC access, banks will be able to offer direct contactless payment options that serve as an alternative to Apple Pay, but it app developers will be able to do more, too. Some ways Apple says NFC can be used:
Contactless payments in stores
Car keys
Closed-loop transit cards
Corporate badges
Student IDs
Government IDs (coming in the future)
Home keys
Hotel keys
Merchant loyalty and reward cards
Event tickets
Security Protections
Apple is creating several new APIs that will power the contactless transactions. The APIs will use the Secure Enclave in the iPhone, with sensitive information stored directly on device.
Developers will have to request access to the NFC and Secure Enclave entitlement, sign a commercial agreement with Apple, and pay associated fees. Apple plans to make sure that only authorized developers who meet regulatory and industry requirements and commit to Apple's security and privacy standards can get access to the APIs.
Default Contactless App Options
Once these features go live, iPhone users can open up the app and then hold the iPhone near an NFC terminal to make a payment. So if you want to pay at a store using your bank's NFC payment service, you'd open your bank app and then double-click the side button on the iPhone to initiate a transaction.
Third-party apps will also be able to be set as default contactless apps in the iPhone's Settings app.
The new APIs will launch in iOS 18.1, which is an update that Apple is testing at the current time. iOS 18.1 will likely be released a few weeks after iOS 18, and we are expecting to see it sometime in October.
In past years, .1 updates have come out between October 20 and October 25, so the week of October 21 is likely when we will see iOS 18.1 come out.
Alongside iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and the other fall updates, Apple plans to release an updated version of tvOS. Apple TV software updates often don't get much attention because they tend to introduce a limited number of new features, but there are some interesting additions coming this year.
InSight - InSight is like Amazon X-ray, providing information about actors, character, and music from Apple TV+ movies and shows in real-time. If you pause a show that's playing, you can see details on the actors, the song that's playing, and more. If you're using an iPhone as a remote for an Apple TV, you can get InSight information right on your phone. Note that this feature only works with Apple TV+ content right now.
Enhance Dialogue and Subtitles - Enhance Dialogue is setting that already exists, but Apple is making it better with machine learning and computational audio improvements. It'll be better at improving vocal clarity over loud music, action scenes, and background noise. Plus Apple updated it so it works with HDMI-connected speakers, when playing content on iPhone and iPad, when using AirPods, and with other Bluetooth audio devices. As a bonus, Apple is also improving subtitles, so they'll appear intelligently such as when content is muted or when a TV show or movie is rewound.
FaceTime Updates - When you use FaceTime with your Apple TV with an iPhone or iPad as the camera, you can now see real-time Live Captions during the call. This works in English in the United States and Canada. Semi-related, there is a new option to use SharePlay so everyone can contribute songs to a party playlist by scanning a QR code.
New Screen Savers - Apple is adding new screen saver options, including Portraits (shows your Portrait images), TV and Movies, and Snoopy.
Projector Support - If you have a projector, you'll be pleased to hear that tvOS 18 adds support for the 21:9 aspect ratio used by most projectors.
What do you think of the new features coming in tvOS 18? Let us know in the comments below.
Some of this week's best Apple deals include all-time low prices for the Apple Studio Display and M4 iPad Pro, both of which are available on Amazon. We're also tracking great discounts on Bluetooth trackers, Sony's popular noise canceling headphones, and portable power stations from Anker and Jackery.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Bluetooth Trackers
What's the deal? Save on Apple and Anker Bluetooth trackers
This week started with a handful of discounts on popular Bluetooth trackers, including Apple's AirTag and Anker's brand of Eufy SmartTrack accessories. Although all-time low prices are no longer available on some devices, you can still find all of them on sale today on Amazon.
Sony Headphones
What's the deal? Take $150 off Sony WH1000XM4 Headphones
Sony this week introduced a steep new discount on the WH1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Headphones, available for $199.99 direct from its website, down from $349.99. These headphones feature premium noise cancellation and up to a 30 hour battery life, and this discount is available in all three colors.
Apple Studio Display
What's the deal? Take $299 off Apple Studio Display
Amazon this week discounted the Apple Studio Display (standard glass) to $1,299.99, down from $1,599.00, which is a match of the all-time low price on the monitor. You can also find low prices on the VESA mount adapter model and tilt- and height-adjustable stand model on Amazon right now.
Amazon has Apple's 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M4 iPad Pro for $899.00, down from $999.00. This is a new record low price on the tablet, and there are also multiple other sales on both 11-inch and 13-inch Wi-Fi models happening this week on Amazon.
Portable Power Stations
What's the deal? Save on Anker and Jackery power stations
This week also saw the return of major discounts on Anker's and Jackery's best portable power stations, with as much as $1,750 off these accessories. Many of the Anker deals do require a Prime membership, while others require you to clip an on-page coupon. You can visit our original post for the full list of power stations on sale.
Samsung Monitors
What's the deal? Take $700 off Samsung's ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor, plus other deals
Samsung opened up its back to school sale this week, and it includes a match of the all-time low price on the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor. This display is priced at $899.99 ($700 off), and you'll find even more deals on monitors, TVs, and smartphones in this sale.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Some Android smartphones have been found to contain a hidden security vulnerability that could allow remote access to user data, alarming cybersecurity experts and leading to a halt in the use of these devices by a major intelligence contractor, The Washington Post reports.
The vulnerability, identified by the security firm iVerify, involves a pre-installed application known as Showcase.apk, which, though dormant by default, can be activated to potentially allow unauthorized remote access to the devices. The Showcase.apk application was discovered within certain models of Android phones, including Google Pixel devices.
According to iVerify, the application appears to have been designed for use in retail environments, allowing employees to demonstrate the device's features to customers. However, researchers found that when activated, the application could connect to a server via an unsecured "http" connection, making it vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals. This flaw could enable attackers to execute code remotely, potentially injecting malicious code or spyware and gaining access to sensitive data stored on the device.
Palantir Technologies, a data analysis platform vendor that often works with government agencies and other security-sensitive clients, expressed grave concerns about the implications of this vulnerability. The company has ceased the use of Android phones for their employees as a result.
The presence of this vulnerability on Pixel devices is particularly notable since they are known for receiving timely security updates directly from Google. Google has now announced that it will issue an update to remove the Showcase.apk application from all supported Pixel devices. Distributors of other Android phones will also be officially notified of the issue.
Apple plans to upgrade its entire AirPods lineup this year in one form or another, with a combination of new model launches and upcoming software updates for existing devices.
Whether you're holding out for the next generation of AirPods or AirPods Max, or just want to know what new features are on the way for your current earbuds, keep reading for the full lowdown on what to expect.
AirPods
Fourth-generation AirPods are expected to arrive in late 2024, with Apple planning to release two versions at different price points. Both models will feature a redesigned look, including a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, shorter stems similar to the AirPods Pro, along with an updated fit and enhanced audio quality.
The higher-end version is expected to include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), making ANC available at a lower price point for the first time. They are also likely to have a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for Find My location tracking. This model will be more affordable than the AirPods Pro ($249) but will not include features like silicone ear tips.
One of the key aspects the next-generation AirPods are likely to bring over from the second-generation AirPods Pro is the H2 chip. Both the second- and third-generation AirPods currently feature the H1 chip. The H2 chip is accompanied by Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, which offers faster and more reliable connectivity with Bluetooth accessories, as well as improved power efficiency, which can contribute to longer battery life.
Apple says the H2 chip provides an "exceptional acoustic experience" when paired with a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier in the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro offer richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies partly due to the computational audio improvements facilitated by the H2 chip, so similar enhancements seem highly likely to come to the fourth-generation AirPods.
The launch of the two AirPods 4 models is expected in September or October 2024, which will also see the current AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 discontinued.
AirPods Pro
Apple's upcoming iOS 18 update introduces several enhancements for the current second-generation AirPods Pro, leveraging machine learning and AI. New head gestures will allow users to control AirPods Pro hands-free—nodding to answer a call or shaking their head to decline. Siri Interactions will also enable hands-free management of calls, messages, and notifications without speaking.
iOS 18 adds Voice Isolation to AirPods Pro, improving call clarity by filtering out background noise and focusing on your voice, similar to an existing iPhone feature. Additionally, the Adaptive Audio feature, which adjusts sound and noise cancellation based on your environment, will now offer a customizable setting for finer control.
According to Apple, the AirPods Pro provide the best wireless audio latency ever for mobile gaming, thanks to improvements coming in iOS 18. Improved latency means that you'll see little to no delay when taking an action in the game and hearing the resulting sound, making for a more responsive experience.
Lastly, iOS 18 will introduce a "hearing aid mode" to AirPods Pro. Although they already have a Conversation Boost feature, this update further positions them as a potential hearing aid device.
Apple is expected introduce a redesigned third-generation AirPods Pro in 2025, with refined design and better audio quality, along with a faster processor.
AirPods Max
AirPods Max are the oldest current-generation AirPods product still in Apple's lineup. It's been over three years since Apple launched AirPods Max in December 2020, and only recently have we begun hearing rumors about Apple's plans for a new-generation model that is coming later this year.
Apple will replace the Lightning port found on the current-generation AirPods Max for a USB-C port. This will ensure the headphones comply with European regulations, and will bring consistency across the company's AirPods lineup. This of course means AirPods Max 2 will come supplied with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, rather than a Lightning to USB-C cable. Apple will also need to offer a USB-C to 3.5mm audio accessory cable so that users can plug AirPods Max 2 into 3.5mm audio ports.
The Bluetooth 5.3 specification can already be found in the AirPods Pro 2, the iPhone 15 lineup, and the latest Apple Watch models. It is also supported by all Mac models released in 2023. Therefore it's almost inevitable that the second-generation AirPods Max will similarly feature the latest Bluetooth standard.
Apple is expected to offer second-generation AirPods Max in fresh colors, although what those colors might be remains unknown. AirPods Max are currently available in Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink, although interchangeable ear cushions allow for many color combinations.
While there are no rumors that claim AirPods Max 2 will feature the H2 chip, it would seem reasonable to expect them to do so. Apple's custom silicon chip is designed specifically for earbuds and headphones, and enables improved computational audio to enhance sound quality on the current-generation AirPods Pro and improves battery life with better energy efficiency. Without the H2 chip, AirPods Max would also miss out on Adaptive Audio features including Personalized Volume and Conversation Awareness.
Coming to All AirPods Models
Personalized Spatial Audio is a feature that already exists for movies, TV shows, and music. It uses the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone to scan your face and ears, developing a personal profile that customizes Spatial Audio just for you.
With iOS 18, Apple is expanding Personalized Spatial Audio to gaming, with the aim of delivering more immersive sound for gameplay. Personalized Spatial Audio for Gaming will support AirPods 3 and 4, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
After a four-year absence, Fortnite is making its return to iPhones – but only for users in the European Union. This comeback is part of the broader launch of the Epic Games Store for iPhone, which went live today in the EU.
The return of Fortnite to iOS comes as a result of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which has forced Apple to allow third-party app marketplaces on its platform. Users in the EU can now download the Epic Games Store by visiting Epic's website on their iPhones.
Fortnite's availability is undoubtedly the headline feature of the Epic Games Store launch. The popular battle royale game was removed from the App Store in 2020 following a dispute between Epic and Apple over in-app purchase systems. Prior to that, Fortnite on iOS made more than $700 million over two years, while Apple collected more than $100 million in revenue from the 30 percent cut that it took from Fortnite in-app purchases.
Otherwise, the current game catalog in the iOS Epic Games Store is limited, featuring only a handful of Epic's own titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe. However, the company says it plans to expand the library over time and is in discussions with third-party mobile developers.
Going forward, Epic will have to deal with navigating Apple's new fee structure, including a "Core Technology Fee" of €0.50 per install per year after the first million installs. This fee applies to both the Epic Games Store itself and the games within it, effectively doubling the charge for popular titles like Fortnite. The EU commission is currently investigating whether Apple's new fee structure complies with the Digital Markets Act.
The Epic Games Store is only available on iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later, while iPad users will have to wait until the release of iPadOS 18 to access the store on their devices. Epic says it plans to expand the availability of its store to other regions where regulations permit, with Japan slated for a 2025 launch. The company has set a goal of reaching 100 million mobile downloads of its store by the end of the year, made up of combined game installs across both iOS and Android.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
